How much oil does it take?

I recently purchased a 1996 Camaro Z28 with the LT1 engine. According
to the Hanes manual, the car should take 5 quarts of 5w-30 oil,
however, after fully draining the system and changing the oil filter,

the car only took 4 quarts. Any idea why this is?
When I bought the car, the oil level was about an inch over the
dipsticks acceptable oil level line indicating that the previous owner
had overfilled the system by about a quart. This contributed to alot
of oil being thrown into the throttle body through the PCV valve and
breather hoses. My guess is that he thought the car should take the
recommended 5 quarts.
The car was level when I changed the oil and was completely drained
before I put the new oil in. Any idea why this might be? Has anyone
else had this problem?
Thanks for the help folks.
-Nathaniel

I know this might seem like a dumb question, but did you start the car
after putting in the fresh oil? The oil filter typically accounts for
about a quart of oil which if replaced and the engine was not started
and run to distribute the oil would leave you with a 1 quart oil hole
(from the standpoint that you would be a quart low after running it the
first time).
If you did run it, then it could be that it has the wrong dipstick, this
is assuming there is not a big dent in the oil pan.

I don't have that car, but when I first got my TA I used to drain it on
ramps and due to the location of the drain plug, around a half quart
would remain in the pan. Now I jack it to the side of the plug and get
most of it out.
-- Anthony
1990 Trans Am

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